+++
title = "Locating Surveillance Devices"
date = 2019-06-01
author = "michelle"
draft = false
tags = ["cameras","surveillance"]
+++

This is a summary of an episode of Michael Bazell's *The Privacy, Security and OSINT Show* podcast titled, ["How to Find Hidden Recording Devices"](https://soundcloud.com/user-98066669/119-how-to-find-hidden-recording-devices) featuring Tom Gibbons.

When trying to locate devices, consider the power requirements. Recording devices require power, and can be identified by their heat signature if you have the proper equipment. If they use available power sources, they will typically be located by an outlet. If they operate on batteries, they can be placed more strategically, but will not operate for longer durations.

To locate devices without any fancy equipment, consider hunting for the camera lens. You can do this with a simple flashlight, but an infrared source works great if you have one. You can cover a camera lens or pinhole for microphone with electrical tape even if you're not sure that there really is a recording device.

Common places to hide cameras in hotel rooms are the bathroom, the desk area, the ceiling and the nightstand - check the alarm clock and thermostat. Cameras around the desk area will typically be aimed so they might be able to see a business traveller's laptop. Perhaps an unsuspecting guest will type in credentials while a camera is watching.

Also look for extra fire sprinkler heads or extra smoke detectors. Of course you never want to risk disabling smoke detectors or sprinkler systems, so just use electrical tape to cover up the part suspected of hiding a camera. When looking at sprinkler heads, they should be in a straight line, as they are connected to a water pipe that is presumably a straight segment of pipe.

If the devices are not networked, they might record onto removable media like SD cards. These can only record for shorter durations because the storage is limited. If they are networked, they can provide the eavesdropper unlimited storage and can be monitored in real time, not after the visit has ended. However these are easier to detect, since they are transmitting over a local network. 

It's a good idea to take a laptop and get on the local Wifi network to see what else is there. Scan the network and probe the devices you find. Look at all the traffic in range and try to detect a second router or other Wifi access points that are not broadcasting their SSIDs. Look carefully at all device names on a network and investigate any suspicious devices.

Enjoy your travels and your privacy with these tips, and remember - covering anything suspected of concealing cameras with electrical tape is a practical solution.

